Elements of the Traditional Epic & the Epic Hero The Odyssey by Homer

The Traditional Epic The Epic Hero is superhuman--braver and stronger than ordinary people The Epic Hero is superhuman--braver and stronger than ordinary people There is some all-knowing or wise person who helps the protagonist There is some all-knowing or wise person who helps the protagonist The story starts in the middle of the action and earlier events are introduced later on (In Media Res) The story starts in the middle of the action and earlier events are introduced later on (In Media Res)

The Traditional Epic The setting is vast in scope- sometimes worldwide and even beyond The setting is vast in scope- sometimes worldwide and even beyond The hero is on a quest for something of great value to him or his people The hero is on a quest for something of great value to him or his people The action of the epic involves heroic deeds and battle, often including a long journey or war The action of the epic involves heroic deeds and battle, often including a long journey or war

The Traditional Epic The villains that try to keep the hero from his quest are uglier, more evil, and more cunning than anything in ordinary life The villains that try to keep the hero from his quest are uglier, more evil, and more cunning than anything in ordinary life The gods or other supernatural beings take an active role in the story The gods or other supernatural beings take an active role in the story

The Epic Hero

Great Stature- Larger than Life Great Stature- Larger than Life Possesses the character traits most valued by society (i.e. determination, courage, wit, wisdom) Possesses the character traits most valued by society (i.e. determination, courage, wit, wisdom)

The Epic Hero Pursues his goal in the face of many setbacks Pursues his goal in the face of many setbacks Has human traits and failings that make him seem like a real person Has human traits and failings that make him seem like a real person (i.e. too curious, foolish, tricky)